IMO Calls For Immediate End To “Illegal & Unjustifiable” Attacks On Ships In Red Sea

In a recent resolution adopted in London, the member nations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have strongly denounced the continuous attacks on ships and seafarers transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The resolution issued by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee during its 108th session from May 15 to 24, 2024, is in reaction to the region’s rising maritime risks.

The attacks, deemed “illegal and unjustifiable” by the committee, pose a direct threat to the freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most crucial waterways while also disrupting regional and international trade.

The seizure of the MV Galaxy Leader by the Iranian-backed Houthis in November 2023 has since led to approximately 50 violent attacks.

The 25-member crew of the Galaxy Leader remain hostage.

Several seafarers have lost their lives as a result of these attacks.

The resolution is the first to be adopted by the International Maritime Organisation’s Member States on this issue.

The resolution demands the immediate and unconditional release of the captured crew and calls for peaceful negotiations and a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crisis.

It highlights the responsibilities of all 176 IMO Member states to prevent the direct and indirect transfer of arms and related equipment to the Houthis by the UN arms embargo.

Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary general of the International Maritime Organisation, supported the resolution, highlighting the maritime industry’s crucial role in safeguarding the global supply chain.

Dominguez urged all the governments and related organisations to provide maximum support to affected seafarers and to actively participate in addressing the issue.

While emphasising the urgency of the situation, the resolution urges ship operators and vessels to carefully consider the complexity and unpredictability of the recent incidents and the possibility of future attacks in the region when planning transit routes.

The IMO vows to monitor the issue continuously and involve stakeholders in a joint effort with member nations and international organizations.

The resolution represents the unified response to the maritime challenges and demonstrates the international community’s commitment to ensuring regional maritime security.

Reference: IMO

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